Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing available to UGDSB community
March 5, 2021
Beginning March 11, COVID-19 testing will begin to become available to specific schools within the Upper Grand District School Board.
The testing is voluntary and consent will be required. Testing is for asymptomatic individuals only (i.e. not showing/experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms). To check for COVID-19 symptoms, use the provincial screening tool at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/. If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please call an assessment centre to book a test.
Testing Schedule
When a school has been identified for asymptomatic testing, all staff, students and their families will be provided with information on the allocated testing times, locations and information on how to register. This information will be provided directly to families by the school.
Specific schools will be invited to participate according to the board’s weekly schedule, which is posted on the board website at https://www.ugdsb.ca/community/coronavirus/reopening-schools-plan/asymptomatic-testing-in-schools/. This page will be updated on a weekly basis.
Testing Vendor
The asymptomatic testing will be conducted and managed by LifeLabs and will take place in a designated “hub” school each week.
For the test, LifeLabs uses a swab similar to a Q-tip that is inserted into the front part of the nostril and rotated for fifteen seconds (per nostril). LifeLabs’ trained staff will perform the test in a space designated by the school. While some students may be nervous about testing, LifeLabs stresses that the test is not painful and should not be uncomfortable for your child. The test should take no more than two minutes from start to finish. Test results will be provided within 24-48 hours. Results will be uploaded to covid19results.ehealthontario.ca.
For more information about the testing, please review the FAQ from LifeLabs below:
- Parent/Guardian FAQ: https://lifelabs.azureedge.net/lifelabs-wp-cdn/2021/02/LifeLabs-Testing-in-Schools-FAQ-for-Parents-Registration.pdf
Asymptomatic testing is an important layer of protection that helps to track and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for helping us keep our communities safe.